Police inspector dies from injuries after auto crash in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

A police inspector, Usman Zubairu, has died from injuries sustained in a motor accident in Nasarawa State.

The officer, attached to the Police Mobile Force (PMF) unit deployed at the Government House in Lafia, was initially involved in a serious road accident before being transferred to the University of Jos Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Sources said the officer died at about 2:00 a.m. on March 22 while receiving medical care at the hospital.

His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while burial arrangements are ongoing.

Police inspector dies from injuries after auto crash in Nasarawa

EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility

By: Michael Mike

The European Union has announced a significant expansion of its strategic partnership with Nigeria, unveiling a €290 million investment package under its Global Gateway Strategy to support digital infrastructure, healthcare manufacturing, agricultural value chains and migration management.

The announcement was made during the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja and co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.

European officials said the seven new investment operations demonstrate a renewed political commitment to deepen cooperation between both partners while supporting Nigeria’s development priorities.

“In the current geopolitical context, the European Union is keen to enhance its partnership with Nigeria,” Kallas said. “Bringing more EU investment to Nigeria, aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda for the Nigerian Federal Government is a key priority for both sides.”

The EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said the investments are designed to support long-term economic growth while strengthening critical sectors.

“Together with Nigeria, we are investing in the modernisation of the digital sector, a stronger health system and in the development of agriculture,” Síkela said. “These Global Gateway investments create quality infrastructure, sustainable jobs and long-term economic opportunities that benefit the Nigerian people while also creating new opportunities for Europe.”

The digital sector received the largest share of the investment package, with €131 million earmarked for improving connectivity, expanding digital services and strengthening digital skills.

Under the programme, the EU will support the rollout of approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable across Nigeria in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The project aims to deliver secure and affordable internet access to an estimated 33 million Nigerians who currently lack reliable connectivity.

It will also support the development of secure and interoperable digital public infrastructure and contribute to Nigeria’s technical talent development initiative aimed at training millions of digital professionals.

Alongside the broader investment package, the development arm of the European Investment Bank, EIB Global, signed a €50 million financing agreement with the Bank of Industry to boost healthcare manufacturing in Nigeria.

The facility will support local companies producing pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostic products and other medical devices through a dedicated credit line aimed at addressing financing gaps in the sector.

The agreement was announced in the presence of senior officials including the Bank of Industry’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olasupo Olusi, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.

Olusi said the initiative represents a major step toward building Nigeria’s domestic pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing capacity.

“This partnership marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey from being a major importer of essential health commodities to becoming a competitive producer within regional and global value chains,” he said.

“By mobilising long-term patient capital into local pharmaceutical, vaccine and diagnostics manufacturing, we are not only strengthening health security but also catalysing industrial growth, skills development and high-quality job creation.”

The initiative is financed under the Human Development Accelerator programme backed by the European Commission and implemented by the European Investment Bank in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Ambroise Fayolle, said the partnership demonstrates the EU’s commitment to strengthening health systems across Africa.

“By financing the development and local manufacture of essential medicinal and nutritional products, we enhance access to affordable, safe and high-quality treatments for diseases while improving the resilience of supply chains,” Fayolle said.

The EU investment package also includes €86 million to support agricultural development, particularly in Nigeria’s cocoa and dairy value chains.

The financing will provide easier access to credit for smallholder farmers and agribusiness companies through the Bank of Industry while supporting climate-smart agriculture policies and sustainable production.

Officials said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to expand dairy production and strengthen cocoa exports to European markets.

Another €16 million will support migration management programmes, including reintegration support for returning migrants and efforts to combat human trafficking networks.

The funding will provide social, economic and psychological assistance for voluntary returnees while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to tackle smuggling and trafficking networks.

The latest commitments build on earlier EU investments in Nigeria in sectors including urban transportation in Lagos, renewable energy, democratic governance and programmes to combat gender-based violence.

With the new package, total Team Europe commitments to Nigeria since 2025 have reached €962.5 million.

Officials said the growing portfolio highlights the EU’s intention to deepen economic cooperation with Nigeria while promoting sustainable development, industrialisation and private sector growth.

The European Investment Bank alone has invested more than €2.3 billion in Nigeria since beginning operations in the country in 1978, supporting projects in infrastructure, climate resilience, innovation, agribusiness and small business financing.

European officials said the new investments are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to build resilient industries, create jobs and expand opportunities for regional trade across West Africa.

EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility

Ex-civilian joint task force member arrested for threatening family with rifle in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a former member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State for threatening a family member with a firearm.

According to sources, the arrest occurred at about 0700 hours on March 22 at Maraban Zallaki village, where the ex-CJTF member was found in possession of a locally made rifle and two live.

“The suspect was reportedly threatening to shoot a family member of his ex-wife when troops intervened,” the sources said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is mentally unstable.

He, along with the recovered firearm and ammunition, is currently in troops’ custody for further investigation and appropriate action.

Ex-civilian joint task force member arrested for threatening family with rifle in Plateau